culpa

Definition of culpa

1Roman & civil law: actionable negligence or faultspecifically: the failure to use the care and diligence demanded by the special relationship between the plaintiff and defendant under the particular circumstances that arises from inattention, careless conduct, or want of care —distinguished from dolus

2Roman & civil law: all actionable fault or misconduct including both negligence and willful or wanton wrongs arising from malice, fraud, or a desire for wrongful gain